As the closure of The Mirage Hotel Casino draws near, a mix of nostalgia and anticipation fills the air among locals and tourists. This iconic venue on the Las Vegas Strip is preparing to close its doors permanently on July 17. However, before this chapter ends, The Mirage is set to create a memorable farewell by making several people very happy with significant cash prizes.

The Mirage has accumulated $1.6 million in progressive jackpot money, which comprised of nearly $1.2 million from progressive slot machines, and $400,000 from progressive table games. Nevada’s gaming regulations mandate that this money, which is essentially funded by players’ losses (apart from a minimal initial amount from the operator), must be returned to the gamblers, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

In response, Hard Rock International, the owner and operator of The Mirage, is launching a grand promotional event. This six-day extravaganza, dubbed the Mirage Progressive Finale Cash Giveaway, will take place from July 9 to July 13 and resume for a final day on July 16.

This promotion is not merely a goodwill gesture but a regulatory requirement. Since Hard Rock International has no other affiliated casinos in Nevada, the progressive funds from The Mirage must be distributed to players before the casino ceases its gaming operations.

Daily Guaranteed Winnings

The promotional event will feature daily guaranteed winnings, starting with $200,000 in cash prizes on July 9, 10, and 11. The stakes will increase to $250,000 on July 12 and 13. The final day, July 16, will see $100,000 handed out. Each day’s promotions will begin at 3 p.m. and conclude at 7 p.m.

In addition to the slot machine giveaways,  progressive table game drawings will total $400,000 in guaranteed cash prizes. These drawings will occur at 8 p.m. on July 12 and July 13. To participate, players must earn entries by playing any qualifying table game with a Unity by Hard Rock rewards card between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. on those days. Qualifying games include Face-Up pai gow, Ultimate Texas Hold ’em, Three Card poker, Let It Ride, blackjack, and baccarat.

The Mirage is not the first casino to undertake a massive cash giveaway before closing. The Riviera held a similar promotion before its closure in May 2015, ensuring that progressive jackpot funds were returned to the players.

This farewell event at The Mirage complies with regulatory requirements and provides a final flourish for a beloved casino. As it prepares to close, The Mirage will offer players one last chance to win big, ensuring that its legacy ends on a high note.

In 2022, The Mirage made history as the first Las Vegas Strip property operated by a Native American tribe. Hard Rock International, owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, acquired The Mirage from MGM Resorts in a transaction worth nearly $1.1 billion. Following the purchase, Hard Rock International revealed that The Mirage would retain its name and continue operations under its iconic brand while renovation plans were being developed.